MLB looks to remain beacon of labor peace

Baseball hasn't had work stoppage since 1994

July 12, 2011|By Phil Rogers | Tribune reporter

PHOENIX -- While the NFL and NBA deal with labor warfare that was once a regular part of baseball's landscape, negotiators from Major League Baseball and its players' union are holding weekly negotiations intent on producing a labor contract before the end of the World Series.

All parties are keenly aware that baseball now appears to be the American sport with the soundest labor footing.

Commissioner Bud Selig says that when he first bought the Milwaukee Brewers "(labor chief Marvin Miller and Commissioner Bowie Kuhn) were going 15 rounds every day.'' But baseball's last work stoppage came when a player strike wiped out the 1994 World Series.

It will be a major surprise if the ongoing talks lead to a strike or a work stoppage but Weiner says the productive tone in the early stages of negotiations doesn't mean an easily reached agreement can be taken "for granted.''

Selig stance with reporters is that he expects the next deal to include a system in which draft picks are paid according to where they are selected, as well as an international draft. Both are points of contention with the union, with a so-called "hard slotting system'' a possible deal-breaker.

"We're agreed with the commissioner's office not to really discuss the substance of what's happening at the bargaining table,'' Weiner said. "The historical view of the players, going back through earlier rounds of bargaining, is that our job is not to reduce the bargaining position of any player. That remains the view of the players.''

On other matters:

Weiner indicated players are strongly in favor of a realignment that would create two 15-team leagues, arranged in three five-team divisions, rather than having 16 in the National League and 14 in the American League.

"That's like the US Open tennis tournament having more players on one side of the draw than the others,'' Weiner said. "Nobody would stand for that.''

Selig indicated he is in favor of addressing that imbalance, which most believe would be addressed with either Houston or Arizona moving to the AL.

Both sides indicated an interest in creating an additional round of playoffs with two additional wild-card teams. Weiner hinted players could support a possible one-game playoff rather than a best-of-three format for that round.

Weiner indicated players are concerned about having the World Series end in November, and indicated many believe spring training could be shortened to allow additional time for playoffs. He also said they want to avoid excessive off days in the playoffs, as baseball is a game where "rhythm'' is a vital element.

Selig addressed concern about the financial situations of the A's and Rays but said relocation and contraction are not on the table. Both franchises have been unable to escape unfavorable stadium situations, with no relief in sight.

Selig, 76, said he still plans to retire after the 2012 season, which is the last in his contract.

"That will be 20 years,'' he said. "That's a long time in this job. ? I'm teaching in two (schools). I've started writing my book.''